Eukaryotic Centromere Remodeling: Plasticity, Dynamics, and Holocentromere Formation.

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Chromosomal Biology

Background:

• Eukaryotic centromeres exhibit conserved function despite sequence divergence, showcasing chromosome plasticity.
• Holocentric chromosomes, with distributed centromere activity, provide a model for studying centromere-chromosome evolution.
• Understanding the evolution of holocentromeres is crucial for insights into chromosome dynamics and artificial centromere design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and speculate on the evolutionary pathways and prerequisites for holocentromere formation.
• To elucidate the interplay of environmental factors, chromosomal rearrangements, and centromere plasticity in holocentromere evolution.
• To provide a framework for understanding holocentromere evolution from monocentromeres.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on centromere evolution.
• Speculative analysis of molecular mechanisms driving the transition to holocentry.
• Integration of findings on histone modifications, repetitive sequences, and epigenetic regulation.

Main Results:

• The transition to holocentry is driven by environmental factors, chromosomal rearrangements, and centromere plasticity.
• Centromeric histone H3 (CenH3) facilitates neocentromere formation in AT-rich regions, aiding chromosome restructuring.
• Dynamic repetitive sequences and epigenetic modifications are essential for centromere assembly, maturation, and coordination.

Conclusions:

• Holocentromere evolution involves complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
• CenH3 and dynamic repetitive sequences are key players in the adaptation and spread of centromere activity.
• This review offers a comprehensive understanding of holocentromere evolution and potential applications in artificial centromere design.